Built for “bold personalities,” the W24 collection pushes past conservative watchmaking with an oblong titanium case, patented snapping lugs, and two independent dials per timepiece. Designer William Volcoff of Hong Kong–based WOLKOV LIMITED explains how comic-book energy, natural textures, and a grueling material choice drove his latest creation.
Project Overview
- Winning Project Title: W24
- Winning Category: Analog Watches
- Firm Location: Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Company: WOLKOV LIMITED
- Lead Designer: William Volcoff
- Design Team: Bastien Henri, Kang Jing, Isaac K Volcoff
- Project Video: youtu.be/oRYR2ORWNNM
The W24 is a titanium “beast” with an iconic oblong shape and patented snapping lugs that make the lightweight case hug the wrist. Each model offers two dials in one watch, pairing bold lume numerals, fumé gradients, and oversized hands with sandblasted titanium for all-day comfort.
Interview with William Volcoff
1. Can you share how you got started in design? How has your work grown and evolved over time?
William Volcoff: The first two collections were primarily about establishing credibility, testing the concept, and refining it. With this third collection, however, I’ve moved beyond that phase. This time, my focus was on creating something vibrant and dynamic, stepping away from the traditional color palettes often seen in the watch industry. I wanted to bring a fresh, bold perspective to the design.
2. What was the brief or challenge behind your winning project? What primary goals did you have when starting this project?
William Volcoff: The biggest challenge with this collection was working with titanium. The unconventional shape of the watch case and the lugs made the production process particularly complex. To add another layer of difficulty, I aimed to achieve a striking contrast between a high-chrome polished surface and a sandblasted finish, which required precision and expertise to execute.
3. What inspired your project? How did you transform your ideas into the final design, whether it was a product or a visual concept?
William Volcoff: My primary inspiration stems from my passion for comic books and natural textures, which is reflected in the design through bold, oversized numerals and the use of stone dials. These elements bring together a unique blend of dynamic energy and organic beauty.
4. Did you encounter any challenges during your project? How did you overcome them while ensuring your design remained both clear and practical?
William Volcoff: Many, many sketches, tests, trials, and errors. It was a step-by-step process with 3D development and countless renderings to compare CMF options.
5. How do you stay updated with new design trends and technologies, such as AI? In what ways have these tools influenced your work?
William Volcoff: I don’t follow watch trends because adhering to trends can limit creativity and make something less interesting, refreshing, or relevant. I also don’t rely on AI tools for inspiration. Instead, I keep an open mind—anything can inspire me, and I believe that’s where true innovation comes from.
6. How do you balance client or market demands with your own creative style? What strategies help you meet both aspects effectively?
William Volcoff: I design primarily for myself—it’s not something I should say out loud, but it’s the key to creating something I genuinely love and would wear. All of my watches are first and foremost designed for me. If I’m passionate about them, I believe others will likely appreciate them too.
7. Reflecting on your winning project, what lessons did you learn? How will these insights shape your future work?
William Volcoff: Never use titanium again! This was way too hard to produce.
8. What does winning the Design MasterPrize mean to you both personally and professionally? How does this achievement inspire your upcoming projects?
William Volcoff: This is a great accolade which motivates me to push further on future releases.
ConclusioN
With its comic-book scale numerals, dual-dial novelty, and painstaking titanium craftsmanship, the W24 collection underscores William Volcoff’s drive to disrupt analog watchmaking through fearless aesthetics and relentless experimentation.
